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Snapshot #1

Freeze Frame

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A new career, a new place, and a new man—you’d think after the rough year she’s had, Isla has finally found her stride. Of course it’s never that simple. Some dreams she is building, some dreams are taken away before they have a chance to form. But she never imagined that the one thing she’s worked so hard to realize, could be the cause it all breaks apart.

Ben doesn’t miss his assignments, his life of deceit, or his unsavory associations—but they appear to miss him. Just as he’s beginning to think perhaps there’s redemption for him after all, his dark past casts a long shadow.—and not just on him, but on the woman who made him believe.



****This is a full length novel following the prequel novella, Shutter Speed.

375 pages, ebook

First published March 4, 2017

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About the author

Freya Barker

67 books1,753 followers
USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

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5 stars
246 (59%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
3,464 reviews2,359 followers
April 3, 2017
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descriptionThis is one of the best covers I have seen in awhile. Fabulous representation of the hero. It has great composition. The typography is unique and eye-catching. It makes great use of graphics. My only little niggle with it in the placement of the author's names and the two different fonts used. Other than that it is pretty much perfect.description

descriptionI have to say that I really enjoyed the heck out of this one. It was amazingly well written. The pace was meandering without being slow. The characters both main and secondary were likable and well developed. It wasn't filled with a lot of drama or angst (couple wise.) It had some hot sex scenes and a cute little epilogue. I'm hoping we are going to get books with Stacie and Jen as well.

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So why not a full 5-stars? I thought the direction the authors choose to go in drama wise was a bit cliché. I groaned out loud because I KNEW before it was even introduced in the book where this was going. I'm glad things turned out the way they did, though, so that softened my initial reaction. On top of that, there was one other thing I could have done without. I didn't think the hero (or we the reader) needed that particular thing to have taken place. Considering it gets like two lines in the aftermath I would have preferred we had been left with what we had already experienced in the previous chapters.

Those were just minor things overall, though. So two thumbs up from yours trulydescription

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March 27, 2017
I had high expectations after Shutter Speed gave me a glimpse into how amazing Ben and Isla were together. Well those high hopes weren't just filled they were blown sky high in a phenomenal way. Ben was the perfect balance of mysterious alpha who showed his heart by actions. When he decides to grace you with words though you'd better be listening because every syllable counts. Isla was sometimes a contradiction but really in the most human way. Strong yet vulnerable with a side of quirky to give her a sense of down to earth I like in my heroines. The suspense nearly gave me a heart attack and at one point I wanted to bleach my brain but thankfully this author team kept it to the bare minimum of details when I didn't think I could take anymore. I'm so thrilled at all the cameo appearance of my favorite characters of Freya's GFI hot bunch. I can't wait for more right now especially for Stacy and Jen to find there own heroes. Loved this story so much. Great job ladies.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
2,700 reviews658 followers
March 28, 2021
2nd read: I did a second read via audiobook and I highly recommend it. The narrators did a fantastic job and it's dual narration. This is one of my favorite series by this author and the second read just confirmed how much I love it.

1st read: I love, love reading about an already established couple. I like to see how they handle things together and just being happy with each other.

In Freeze Frame, Ben and Isla are a brand new couple so we still get to see them learn and grow as a couple, and see them fall more in love.

If you want to read about their beginning, and I highly recommend it, you can read the novella that shows how they met in Shutter Speed (Snapshot, #0.5) by Freya Barker .

What I loved best about Ben and Isla was the maturity they displayed. Isla has a tendancy to react first before she thinks, but she also recognizes it immediately and works to fix it. Ben was so up front an honest with her that there was no miscommunication with these two.

This book just made me very happy. I liked this couple. I liked how they were with each other, and I liked how they handled everything that was thrown at them. It's starts out low angst but then builds to some drama that shows how well these two worked together to handle that conflict. Awesome couple!
Profile Image for Bev .
1,915 reviews417 followers
April 4, 2017
3.75 stars. After reading and loving Shutter Speed I was really itching for Freeze Frame. And whilst I liked it, I didn't love it. I want/need more meat to my stories and I really struggled the first quarter, it just didn't hold my interest. Once the suspense bit kicked in things started to move along but still, this was more like "a month in the life of ...." which is great if you like that sort of thing.

The characters were brilliant, Ben's as hot and alpha possessive as they come and Isla (still love that name so hard) is just what I want to read in a heroine - sassy, sweet, sensible, caring, considerate all about everyone else. I also loved that Ben and Isla had already established their relationship and on the whole were where they wanted to be, so no ridiculous misunderstandings/miscommunication. They talked through any problems rather than run away from them.

I guess I'm just greedy and wanted more.
Profile Image for ~Steph K~.
418 reviews134 followers
March 28, 2017
Freya Barker is definitely on my "must read ASAP" list. Her stories have been some of my favorites, and this new series of hers does not disappoint.

Freeze Frame is the continuing story of Ben and Isla after they have decided to stay together, although they haven't figured out all the logistics of their relationship. The story for me, was so realistic in how a couple works together to figure out how to merge the past and present together to build their future - and also introducing family members into the relationship, which at times can be tricky.

While they are building their dreams, Ben's past comes back to haunt them and they have to figure out where the threat is coming from and how to stay safe. I don't like to give away too much of the "suspense" or "plot" of the story - but just know that it will keep your interest all the way through to the end.

One thing I truly love most about Freya's books are that the characters tend to be older and more mature. There seems to be less of the angsty drama - and more of the relating to each other, and thinking things through and handling issues and situations like adults.

Another thing I love are the secondary characters that Freya puts in her stories that always seem to make you fall in love with them too. Ben's sister and niece, along with Isla's Uncle Al are perfect examples of this - and an added bonus was that Freya also brought in some of our favorite people from the Cedar Tree Series - making me want to do a re-read of those books again.

I definitely will be on the lookout for the next book in this new series because I loved this book so much!
Profile Image for Christine.
452 reviews26 followers
March 29, 2017
Freeze Frame by Freya Barker & KT Dove is a roller-coaster of a crime thriller extending the story of Ben & Isla from the Shutter Speed novella. Just when life seems to settle down for these characters something else arises to put a wrench into their plans of a HEA. I loved Shutter Speed and the chemistry Ben & Isla had, so I went into Freeze Frame super excited to see their story continued and Freya & KT did not disappoint! Freeze Frame start off right after Shutter Speed and as it can be standalone it's better enjoyed with the prequel. This book will have you running the complete range of emotions from one chapter to the next and flows with ease through each situation. Another thing I love about Freya's stories is that the main characters aren't always twenty-somethings but older adults (35+) with experience behind them either finding love for the second time or sometimes even the first once they settle down. Ben & Isla's connection and chemistry are off the charts and I honestly have to give them credit because I'm not sure I would have been able to with stand just living in a camper for months let alone everything else that occurs. If you love realistic steamy romance mixed with a crime thriller then this is the book for you! 5 "Stary Nights" for Freeze Frame by Freya Barker & KT Dove

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Lisa Cullinan.
571 reviews25 followers
October 6, 2017
Perfect!

Freeze Frame continues the story of Ben and Isla from Shutter Speed, the novella prior to this book.
In this story, we really get to see how each character develops—individually and as a a couple.
I love Ben. He is the ultimate alpha: strong—physically and mentally, takes what he wants, speaks his mind, protective, owns up to his faults, would move mountains for those he loves, smart, rides a Harley, beyond sexy, respectful, gorgeous, kind, and actually pretty funny. I'm talking ...The. Perfect. Man.
Considering the intensity and danger from Ben's former occupation, having a woman like Isla in his life is just what a man like him could appreciate.
Isla is a kind, tiny but sassy, sharp as a tack, loyal, hard-working, hard-headed, almost-forty-year-old tom-boy. She might be pixie in size, but her spirit is larger than life. She enjoys photography and sees the world in her own unique way.
Ben and Isla bring out the best in each other. Maybe it's due to the fact that they're somewhat older, acquiring those years of life's experiences in which they recognize and appreciate their chance for love and happiness. They are completely in sync with one another.
Because of Isla's Uncle Al gifting Isla the campground, which was originally given to him, along with his property, they find themselves building a home on the mountain and trying to enjoy day to day life together. Uncle Al, and Ben's sister Stacie and her adorable daughter, Mak, become so much a part of their lives that a sense of family is really starting to grow among them. I love when characters, who could potentially live a very lonely life, all find their way to a new, unexpected happy turn of events.
Ah, so they all live happily ever after!
Uh ... not so fast.
Unfortunately, someone from Ben's past, which could be any one in a long list of seedy characters he was forced to deal with, decides to make her presence known. Everything and everyone who is important to Ben is now in danger. Ben calls in his buddies from different sections of law enforcement, and yes, we see Gus and Caleb, among others who try to put the pieces together in finding this psychopath.
So much happens thereafter. There are plenty of twists and turns which carry a path of death and destruction in their wake.
As bad as the situation gets, I love how it brings out the best in every one of who's involved. I guess one could say that all's well that ends well, but wow, what a harrowing ride. I loved the epilogue!!!
There's so much vivid description and heartfelt feeling in this book that it's as if the words and color and places and characters are all bouncing off the pages. The storyline itself is fantastic, and honestly, I didn't want this book to end. I've said it before and I'll say it again—Freya Barker is one of the BEST storytellers of our time; her books are like finding a treasure. Adding KT Dove to this one made it even more of a gem. I highly recommend this series! Five Colorado mountain stars for me. I was given this ARC for an honest review and honest it certainly is.
Profile Image for Joanne T.
300 reviews12 followers
September 3, 2017
The continuation of Ben and Isla’s whirlwind love was just as heated and captivating as the novella that began it all. Freya and KT’s partnership only increased the intensity of the couple’s story, and incited new suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m hoping for more collaborations from these two.

This novel picks up exactly where we left off in Shutter Speed, as Ben and Isla settle into their newfound togetherness. However, their recent happiness is short-lived with a new threat surfacing, or should I say an old threat from Ben’s past.

I loved how there was a resurfacing of some of Freya’s previous characters. Fans of this author will certainly be able to spot a few ‘hidden Easter Eggs’ amongst the crowd. This story is paced well. The sweet moments between this super couple are tender, yet hot.

The action is high. I bit a few nails and often found myself muttering several “Oh no” several times. Yet they were equally balanced by the moments I had to fan myself.

Looking forward to the possibility of these two collaborating once again. So many doors were opened with the characters we’ve now met in Freeze Frame. Kudos to these ladies!
Profile Image for Aimee Shannon.
13 reviews9 followers
April 10, 2017
Freeze Frame continues where Shutter Speed left off. It was interesting, even as a short novella, I felt like Shutter Speed gave me a full, good story. But wow did Freeze Frame flesh out these characters so much more.
I love Isla, and her insecurities and her deep love of life. She is taking a big risk in letting Ben into her life and heart and she does it with all she has. Ben is complex, finds words hard and yet, always says what needs said. The two of them together are creating something special.
The suspense part of the novel kept me guessing. And I liked how it built up, I didn't even see it coming initially and then more and more piled on. Very well done and kept me on my toes. The romance is deep and full and lovely to see.
I love Freya's work and clearly the addition of K.T. Dove just added more to the mix. This book kept me enthralled and I had a hard time putting it down. I also LOVE the inclusion of characters from past books without them being too overwhelming. It's nice to see them but they don't take over the story. Can't wait to see who gets the next book! I have my ideas of who I want to see!
Profile Image for Carey Decevito.
Author 21 books203 followers
March 29, 2017
Isla and Ben are back!!

I was thrilled to sink my eyes right into Freeze Frame as soon as I was done reading Shutter Speed.

I have to say that Isla spoke to me in volumes in this one (mainly because I could relate to her plight having gone through it myself). But the way Ben's support, albeit sometimes faulty (because he is a man) was a phenomenal portrayal of what couples go through.

So much happens to these two, yet they're able to see that sticking together makes them stronger, even if a bit of cabin fever sets in. It also shows that home isn't where you are, but who you're with.

When Ben's past rears to bite him in the but, courtesy of some whack job, things get sizzling and maybe just a little bit dicey. Of course, the chemistry between H/h is off the charts.

If you're looking for a great balance between heat, suspense, emotional and a whole lot of reality, you've hit your mark with Freeze Frame and Shutter Speed, it's predecessor. Honestly, I can't find a single fault in this series aside from the fact that it's done. I think? I have no knowledge on if Freya Barker and KT Dove will write more for this one, but I sure as hell will pick the next one up if it ever comes to fruition.

Must read folks!
Profile Image for Pamela.
88 reviews20 followers
March 7, 2017
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. Let me start by saying I fell in love with Isla & Ben in Snap Shot!
These two characters were kinda thrown together in Snap Shot, but there was that instant connection!
trust that because of Ben's past there is Suspense, insecurities on both parts, and learning all truths about each other.
I love the re-entry of character's past, and the addition of new characters.
this is a MUST-READ in my book!
Profile Image for Island Girl Romance Reads.
508 reviews46 followers
March 29, 2017
Another awesome book by Freya Barker.
Freeze Frame is the next book in the Snap Shot series.
Loved it. Lots of suspense and a strong Heroine, just like I love to read.
Can't wait for more of this series.
Profile Image for Carla.
989 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2017
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

**Carla's Four Review

Freeze Frame is the first full length novel in the Snapshot series. However, there is a novella, Shutter Speed, which you need to read before this book. Okay, I really loved Shutter Speed. It is a quick and easy read that is sure to leave you wanting more. Also, through Shutter Speed, we are introduced to Ben and Isla. Freeze Frame picks up right where Shutter Speed left off. Ben has been an undercover agent with the DEA for years. He has always loved his job, but he is just tired of it all. Isla is a free spirit who likes to wander the woods and take pictures of any and all kinds of animals. Isla just seems to have a way with people, and Ben wants Isla to be his woman. As these two begin to spend more and more time with one another, it doesn't take long for them to fall in love. Life is bumping along great until a woman named Jahnee from Ben's past shows up, and let me tell you this woman put the cray in crazy. Chaos ensues and danger abounds.

For fear of spoilers, I am not going to go into great depth regarding this story line. I will say that I really liked this book even though it did seem to drag a bit in the first half. With that said, this is a book I would have no trouble recommending to a friend.
Profile Image for Chastity Gregory.
77 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2017
Oh my goodness. This is one of the best books I've ever read. Ben and Isla belonged together. Isla just knew her life was moving along but moving along nicely. She had a knew place to live and a new man that she loved. Nothing could mess it up....or could it? Ben loves Isla and had a lot of plans for them and their new life but his past comes back to haunt him. Isla is so strong in this book and she fights for what she wants. Ben has some guilt from his past but knows that no matter what he wants Isla in his life and he wasn't going to let anyone get in their way. This book will have you on your toes and you WILL NOT put it down cause you will need to know what is going to happen. Freya did an AWESOME job and I need more of her books.
Profile Image for Nancy Huddleston.
346 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2017
Brilliant! Excellent continuation of Ben and Isla! Freeze Frame (Snapshot #1) is an amazing, beautiful, emotional real read. Freya Barker and KT Dove did a fantastic job. When I started Freeze Frame, I wondered what more we needed from Ben and Isla's story. Boy was I wrong. So much emotions. So much excitment. So many surprises.
I have adored Freya's writing since the first. We get to see what happens after the excitment of Shutter Speed. Real stuff that everyone faces. That is what I love most. We are introduced to Ben's sister and his niece , whom I love. Isla's Uncle Al is such a great character. I was so happy with the way the characters from your Cedar Tree series were incorporated into the mix. It was done in a way that felt natural and right.
I loved the new story line. It is amazing. You will be blown away .
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,063 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2017
This is a Continuation of Ben and Isa story from Shutter Speed.
They are making decisions that normal couples do but we are learning more about Ben's past job history and what went on, I liked seeing that this couple has the trials that most every couple has,
Make sure you read Shutter Speed first though
Profile Image for Barb Johnson.
516 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and had an amazing connection. Having read the novella first, getting to know the characters helped me build up the connection between them and I love them. The story was unique and kept me reading. I hope all the characters return for more in the future.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
15.2k reviews151 followers
March 29, 2017
Let me just say firstly that these are new authors to me, but my word, I will be reading more of their work. Ben & Isla are great together, and I loved how they adapted and grew with their relationship. No spoilers from me though!
This story has suspense, protective alpha, and strong independent woman, which had me hooked and intrigued throughout. Congrats to these 2 authors who have done a great job together!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Nicole.
356 reviews22 followers
April 14, 2017
I give this book a 4.5 rating. This book was full of love and suspense. I enjoyed the characters and come to love most of them. Some not so much. Ben is a major alpha male and does everything to protect his woman.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,461 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2021
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

Are you ready for a fast paced adventure that will you on the edge of your seat?

I am a fan of Freya's strong independent heroines, Isla fits that bill perfectly. Not just any woman would pack everything up to go help look after a campground on the side of a mountain. But when her Uncle Al needs her help she doesn't think twice. This giving her the perfect backdrop and subjects to further grow her photography and pursue her dreams. Over the crest of 40 she had all but given up the hopes of finding love.

Ben finds himself at a turning point of his life. After many years undercover for DEA he is now retired and ready for normalcy. He was not willing to look for love and companionship while undercover but a certain Pixie has given him a direction and a place to start. Once he starts to settle in he is quickly realizing what he has missed out on and doesn't want to waste any time. Bringing what little family he has to Delores to spend time with them.

When Ben's past sneaks into Delores things get anything but boring. Can Ben keep his past from touching Ilsa and his family?

I often worry when two authors join forces on one book, can the writing style truly mesh. I think Freya and KT are either pretty well matched or maybe a ying/yang. The writing is seamless and I couldn't tell who was writing when. Ben and Isla are both in an adjustment faze and the growth of these character individually and as a couple was very touching.

I am excited to see where Freya and KT take us next with The Snapshot series.

Audiobook - Narration brings Freya's characters to life, making them more loveable and relatable than the imagination could. It was a great way to re-visit old friends.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,079 reviews51 followers
March 29, 2017
I loved Loved LOVED Freeze Frame and if you have not read Shutter Speed I highly recommend that you one click now not only was it a good novella but it introduces the characters that are in this book and how they meet . The characters are really likable , the story line keeps you hooked , full of suspense , and definite re read . Isla and Ben made a beautiful couple thay have off the charts chemistry that will leave you wanting more the protectiveness and respect that they have for the other was truly remarkable , and the sex scenes are really hot very tasteful . Isla would be an ideal heroine she has a strength , kindness , talent , and determination that I look for . Ben is the super hot alpha who would do anything for his woman in and out of the bedroom love him as a hero . Freya Barker did an amazing job with this book and I can not wait to read what is to come my emotions were all over the place and the end surprise had me silly grinning .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero = 10 heroine = 10 secondary characters = 10
Chemistry = 10 steam = 8 romance = 10 humor = 8
darkness level = 6 enjoyment = 10 story line = 10
character development = 10 pacing = 10 POV= dual
cover = 10 stars = 5 author = 10
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,064 reviews1,756 followers
April 14, 2017
My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

I’m taking note of everything she dumps in the basket, including the bag of mini Reese’s Pieces. Mainly because she holds it up before dropping it in, saying; ‘Chocolate is an imperative part of the cure.’ I take that to mean, don’t ever come home without it.

Lying here, feeling your heat, hearing the steady beat of your heart— knowing I’ll get to wake up tomorrow morning to the same thing— it means everything. I want to freeze the moment, frame it, so whenever I get lost I can use it to find my way home.

F*ing Ikea, on Black Friday. If man invented hell, it would look like this.

‘Give the pooch a break.’ Ben climbs in behind the wheel. ‘He just had his balls removed,’ he whispers dramatically, and I snicker at the expression of horror on his face.

You gave me this… A place on top of the world. A beautiful view that goes on forever. A future I can hold in my hands. And a life I want to grow old in.

My Review:

I absolutely adore Freya Barker’s books as I can always rely on her special blend of word-craft for an entertaining and engaging read. Her books consistently provide a relevant and interesting storyline with appealing and true to life characters, scorching sensuality, levity, and wry humor. Freeze Frame continues on in the same tradition despite the addition of a new co-writer, K.T. Dove, who seems to have blended seamlessly with Ms. Barker’s unique style. I had enjoyed Isla and Ben in Shutter Speed and reveled in their new tale pulling in my old friends from Cedar Tree, who arrived like the cavalry to aid in their adventure. I am hoping to see them again in subsequent volumes as their inclusion felt like a tasty treat.
Profile Image for Deb Bishop.
285 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2017
Absolutely LOVED it!
I was soooooo bloody excited when I found out that Ben and Isla's story, which started in Shutter Speed was going to be explored more!
Freeze Frame was amazingly brilliant!!.
There wasn't a thing I didn't like ( there are not many books you can say that about)
I've made no secret of the fact that Freya is easily one of my favourite authors since I discovered her writing back in 2015. Therefore I did wonder if I'd like having another author writing with Freya but I must say reading it I didn't know who had written which parts, the whole book was flawlessly written.
I'll look forward to reading more from KT Dove now too!
There was so much going on in Ben and Isla's life right from the start of Freeze Frame.
There were twists and turns, surprises and Oh! moments, sex that was so hot it threatened to ignite the screen, laugh out loud moments and Aah! melt your heart times too.
Nail biting, wanting to slap someone and feeling your stomach drop to heart soaring, smiling like a cheshire cat, feeling all warm and fuzzy are just a few of the emotions Ms Barker and Ms Dove bring out in you in this book.
Shutter Speed should definitely be read before Freeze Frame.
You'll want to read as much about Ben and Isla as you possibly can I guarentee it!
Congratulations ladies on a fantastic book.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,156 reviews72 followers
April 11, 2017
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this short story. The story has pain, surprises, danger, and suspense.

Before reading this story please read the below books first
Shutter Speed (Snapshot, #0.5)

This is more of Isla and Ben’s story. As this couple moves forward in their relationship someone is determined to keep them apart. But is the danger that is surrounding them after Ben or Isla or them both? Just when they thought everything was great things start to happen. Can this couple get a break or is someone out to destroy everything they have built together? They want a future together but will his past allow them a future? It was good to see characters from cedar tree that I missed. You get the suspense you need and the edge of your seat ride that this author loves to keep you on. Can’t wait for more from this series.

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,249 reviews92 followers
March 7, 2017
5 Stars
So this was the continuation of Shutter Speed which was a SNAPshot novella released previously and should be read first to get the backstory on everything Isla and Ben. These two are one of my favorite couples and I was so excited when I finished Shutter Speed to know that she was completing the story and giving me more of these two!
Ben is so protective and carries the guilt of everything going on around him even if it isn't remotely his fault. Isla is independent and strong and neither of them really know how to love each other… they just do.
There are things from Ben's past as a DEA agent that follow him into the beautiful life that he is trying to build with Isla and it's so frustrating because you want them to just be happy! There are also cameos from characters from her other series that add to the storyline so brilliantly! One of Barkers gifts as a writer is how she weaves the books and individual couples together to form what is a detailed tapestry of what in the end becomes a family for one another.
I cannot wait to see who is next! Jen maybe?

Review by Amanda
69 reviews
March 29, 2017
Yes a great addition to the novella Shutter Speed. I was provided an ARC with no expectation of review and I still kept my preorder of this novel as well worth the book fee. Really interesting to see people who have lived lives (ie not YA/NA) and have to adapt to living and being with another grown being and the baggage they bring to a relationship. The authors do not shy away from their characters making mistakes and reacting however they do not just put drama in for the sake of it. Non perfect characters that I found enjoyable to read. Lovely to see briefly some familiar characters from Cedar series make some cameos that work with the story line. (No spoilers included purposefully and do check out the book blurb as it is very discriptive)
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,804 reviews18 followers
April 3, 2017
It pains me to admit that I didn't even come close to loving this book. I am a HUGE fan of Freya Barker. The novella is great but I feel this story is missing the build up of a love story. Having this story continue from the novella did it a disservice. I like Isla and Ben but I was bored with reading about them creating a life together. I felt most of the love scenes were gratuitous just to keep the reader interested. The drama of Jahnee wasn't enough of a hook for me either. I was also hoping there would be a hint of something stirring between Damian and Stacie for maybe the next book... overall I'm just sadly disappointed. 2.5*bummed out*stars
Profile Image for Kim.
1,473 reviews33 followers
April 6, 2017
4.5 stars

OK, confession time: when I finished Shutter Speed, I liked it but I didn't love it as much as some of Ms. Barker's other books. The heroine Isla was a particular challenge for me, so when it came time for me to crack open Freeze Frame, I did it with no small amount of trepidation especially since a new author was being added to the mix and my last few reads in general had been a bit of a mixed bag. I am happy to say those fears melted away from the very first chapter! The story flowed easily and the integration of two writing styles was fairly seamless.

Before starting Freeze Frame, I do definitely recommend reading the prequel novella so that you have an understanding of how Ben and Isla arrived at the place they are in at the start of this story. Ben has left his old job behind and is looking forward to settling into a different life with Isla, but the reality is that although he is certain where he wants the future to lead, they have only actually known each other for a short time and there is still a lot of unknowns between them.

They find a comfortable routine and enjoy a honeymoon phase for a while, and Isla is startled but thrilled to see her photography turn from a hobby to a fledgling business. She never expects one of her photos to dredge up a ghost from Ben's past while bringing danger to their newly constructed doorstep though.

Freeze Frame has all of the suspense and action moments I have come to expect from Ms. Barker's stories, and there is no shortage of steamy times complete with sexy alpha male attitude and sassy female responses either. I am still not a complete Isla fan but she worked her way into my good graces a bit more in this story. She still tends to overthink and overreact but I could live with it. As a fan of the Cedar Tree series, I loved the subtle nods to landmarks and people from those books throughout the story, and crossover appearances from some of my favorite guys like Caleb, Gus and Neil brought a smile to my face. Have no fear though, you don't have to be familiar with the other books to enjoy this one. FBI agent Damian Gomez is another familiar face who is slowly growing on me and I am looking forward to his eventual HEA when the time comes. Isla's Uncle Al returns, and a few of Ben's family members are introduced who I am hoping to see more of in the future.

While there was one particular aspect of the story late in the book that I raised an eyebrow at in terms of real world practicality and a smidgen of predictability, it was written in the spirit of providing the characters with the HEA they needed to have so I rolled with it. All in all, Freeze Frame is a great story and I am looking forward to more from this writing duo.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.4k reviews151 followers
April 12, 2017
Isla is finally in a good space with a new place, and a new man after a nightmare year. So she fills like she's hitting her stride, but life is never that easy. Ben doesn't miss his past life, but the unsavory associations seem to miss him. As he's starting to believe in redemption for his past, it comes back to bite him again. But this time, it's also on the woman that brought him out of the darkness. I know this seems a bit generic, but there's no other way to give a description without giving a great many things away. I'm so far sucked into the series at this point, that when it ends, I believe that I'm going to have some issues. Freya Barker has a talented writing style that no matter what she writes about, including cowboys, I'm instantly in love with, and Freeze Frame is no exception. And I haven't read much of KT Dove, but I will be changing that in the immediate future! These two women flowed together perfectly, without any breaks in the story that some dual authors have in their stories. Their diabolically evil twists and turns swirled around, keeping the f-bombs dropping loud and proud, as I couldn't untangle them on my own. Added in a fantastic cast of secondaries, that I really want to have stories, this is an amazing, highly addictive new series that everyone needs to read! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jezabell Girl.
1,074 reviews68 followers
June 13, 2017

2.5 Stars - it was okay

I really wanted to enjoy this book, especially after enjoying its predecessor prequel, Shutter Speed. Ben and Isla were fascinating characters in Shutter Speed and I was left craving more from them and waiting on Freeze Frame with bated breath.

Freeze Frame catches up with Ben and Isla who are now starting a life with each other having fallen for each other. Most of this book was about them setting up home together which I found painfully slow I’m afraid. It was nice to see them working towards a future together but apart from some sexual scenes, placed I felt to add some pizazz to the story, it wasn’t until the drama with Jahnee that the book started to capture my attention. When Jahnee’s character came into being, the story took a sinister turn but even this wasn’t used to its full advantage and scenes which could have been more drawn out to add drama and an edginess to the story were all too simply skipped over.

I enjoyed the various extra characters which were added to this story though, especially the men Ben turned to in his hour of need. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of Ben’s sister, Stacie and her daughter, Mak. I hope that there is more from them in future.

From the start, this story felt like it was free-falling towards an inevitable HEA and despite the elements of danger faced by Ben and Isla, this never felt in jeopardy. It was a safe story and an even safer read which felt like it had been drawn out to become a full-length novel.

I really enjoy Freya Barker’s writing (I’m not sure who KT Dove is) but this story just wasn’t for me. However, I’m sure the next instalment, if it’s about different characters, will be refreshing and hopefully more intriguing.

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